DTS Development supports Cheshire Housing Association to meet challenging new homes target

With an ambitious development programme and only a small in-house team, Northwich-based Weaver Vale Housing Trust turned to DTS Development for support to meet its 2023 new homes target. Here we find out how one of the North-West’s newest start-up property and development specialists worked alongside the Trust to deliver two Section 106 schemes, bringing much needed affordable homes to the region.

Weaver Vale Housing Trust are certainly challenging themselves when it comes to delivering affordable housing in Cheshire and Warrington. With a development programme that will see 460 new affordable homes brought to market by 2023 and then a further 150 homes every year after that, they sought the support of Laura Astwood from DTS Development as Jo Fallon, Assistant Director of Development at the Trust explains:

“We initially approached DTS Development to bolster our in-house function as we are a fairly small team, with a challenging programme to deliver. I’d previously worked with Laura, so I knew she had the experience and approach that would provide the flexibility and instant impact we needed. When two Section 106 opportunities presented themselves I felt confident that Laura could act on our behalf to take them forward.”

Located in Upton Dene, Chester and Sandford Village, Warrington, the Section 106 opportunities were presented by the country’s largest independently owned house builder, Morris Homes. Part of a larger site, the opportunity at Upton Dene is a 22 unit mixed tenure scheme of affordable rent and shared ownership, whilst Sandford Village is 33 units all for affordable rent.

Once instructed DTS Development took a real cradle to grave approach on these schemes. From developing and submitting the initial bid, through to managing the project team on site and soon to be handing over to the sales and lettings team at Weaver Vale Housing Trust as Laura Astwood of DTS Development explains:

“It’s been great to be so involved in these two Section 106 schemes. Reporting into Jo throughout, we led on the bid and pre-contract stage on behalf of the Trust. Then once on site we led monthly project site meetings undertaking quality inspections and monitoring programme and budget to ensure everything was delivered within approved parameters. The first release of homes is due in March when we’ll ensure a seamless handover to the sales and lettings teams at Weaver Vale.”

With over 16 years in the sector, Laura is familiar with the challenges and nuances of affordable housing and it’s this experience that’s also proving invaluable to her clients as Jo explains:

“What stands Laura apart is her adaptability and her ability to quickly blend into a team, she doesn’t feel like a consultant. She quickly grasps the required standards, what the organisation expects and what the processes and procedures are. She also builds good relationships with the developer which is a really important aspect for us. We’re currently overachieving against our new homes target and we couldn’t have done it without the support from DTS.”

DTS Development are end-to-end property and development specialists based in the North-West. With an experienced affordable homes function they work with housing associations and developer alike on pre-contract, programme management and s106 sales or purchases. For more information on DTS services click here or call Laura for an informal chat on 07783 199980